Advanced Air Mobility International’s Post

Saudia to buy up to 100 eVTOL jets from Lilium. Posted by Nicole Willing & filed under Fleets and Infrastructure, Newswire, The Vehicles. Saudi Arabian airline operator Saudia Group has signed a binding sales agreement to purchase 50 Lilium Jets from German electric aircraft manufacturer Lilium, and has an option to purchase 50 more. The sales agreement follows a memorandum of understanding the two companies signed in October 2022. The agreement includes a schedule of deposit and pre-delivery payments, a timeline of future deliveries, guarantees on aircraft performance, and provisions on spare parts, maintenance and repairs. The companies also intend to sign a Lilium POWER ON agreement for aircraft fleet maintenance and support services. The jets will provide first- and last-leg connections into Saudia’s regional hubs and new point-to-point city connections, such as Jeddah to Makkah, which could reduce regional travel times by up to 90%. Saudia expects to receive the first jets in 2026. They will feature large, premium cabins with capacity for up to six passengers plus luggage. Saudia will support Lilium in its certification process with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Saudi Arabia’s aviation regulatory agency. Lilium has a pipeline of 106 firm orders and reservations, 76 options, and roughly 600 aircraft under MOU. “The Middle East is a priority for Lilium, and Saudi Arabia will be a very large and exciting market for electric, high-speed regional air mobility. Our partnership will combine Saudia Group’s significant market knowledge with our unique eVTOL technology to transform premium air travel in the GCC region,” said Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium. https://lnkd.in/dCxvVzAk

The first electric air taxi flights in New York have been completed by Joby Aviation Inc (NYSE:JOBY) and Volocopter from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport as part of its plan to bring "quiet, emissions-free flights" to the Big Apple.  New York City mayor Eric Adams announced at the exhibition flight that a new request for proposal has been made to seek an operator to upgrade the city-owned heliport to host electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft as well as last-mile freight delivery.   Joby and Volocopter both conducted piloted demonstration flights of their eVTOL aircraft. Mayor Adams said his vision is to “create the world’s first heliport with infrastructure for electric-powered aircraft and put this public asset to work for New Yorkers as a hub for sustainable transportation and local deliveries. More at #Proactive #ProactiveInvestors #NYSE #JOBY #JobyAviation #Volocopter http://ow.ly/f0ku1051NlY

Behold as #Dubai's skyline embraces the future of #mobility with AVITERRA's acquisition of over 100 PAL-V Liberty flying cars, marking a monumental leap in the city's journey towards cutting-edge #transportation solutions. This transformative leap aligns with the #UAE's commitment to #innovation and progress, echoing the principles including the Industrial Technology Transformation Index (ITTI) - A comprehensive tool for the #manufacturing industry to measure their plant's #digital and #sustainability #maturity, and provide a customized roadmap for smarter, more sustainable production. Let's delve deeper into exploring how your #organization can seize the opportunities through embracing the ITTI. https://lnkd.in/gEeQx9w6

A groundbreaking electric air taxi network is in the works for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympic Games next summer. This network aims to transport passengers between three airports located in the Paris region and a "vertiport" situated on a floating barge in the Seine River. The VoloCity air taxi is manufactured by the German company Volocopter. This electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft can achieve a maximum airspeed of 68 miles per hour and is designed to accommodate a pilot and one passenger. Skilled helicopter and airplane pilots will undergo training to operate the VoloCity, which is reputed for its straightforward digital flight control system. Volocopter has joined forces with key partners, including Groupe ADP, the operator of Paris airports, RATP, the government-owned metro and bus service provider, and the Ile-de-France regional government, to advance this project. With their support, Volocopter has conducted more than 20 test flights covering a distance of 125 miles in the Paris region. The VoloCity made its public debut at the International Paris Air Show, taking a 15-minute flight. As Volocopter's CEO, Dirk Hoke, emphasized, "In collaboration with our French partners, we are steadily leading the way in decarbonizing aviation. The Paris Air Show 2023 offers us a prime opportunity to showcase the daily benefits of electric air taxis to thousands of people." In order to be operational for the Olympics, Volocopter is awaiting approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Despite this regulatory hurdle, the company has secured more than 300 pre-orders from private enterprises for its aircraft. In addition to transporting passengers within urban areas and providing tourist flights, Volocopter has forged a partnership with air rescue provider ADAC Luftrettung to utilize eVTOLs in critical emergency medical services, potentially saving lives. The global development of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft has gained momentum, driven by the recognition of their environmental advantages due to their reliance on battery power. Estimates suggest that the global eVTOL market is poised to reach $34.92 billion by 2023, projecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.6% from 2023. Anticipating this growth, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is actively revising its policies concerning eVTOLs and the regulation of their interactions with ground infrastructure. However, the FAA recently made an exception by granting a Special Airworthiness Certification to Alef, a company responsible for a fully electric vehicle capable of both flying and traveling on roads. This certification limits the vehicle's use to specific purposes such as exhibitions, research, and development. Furthermore, it imposes restrictions on the areas where Alef is allowed to operate. #PakistanNow #ElectricFlyingTaxi #OlympicGames #Electric #GreenLogistics #VoloCity Pakistan Now

The aviation industry worldwide has been following in the footsteps of the booming EV sector to go increasingly electric. #aviation #eVTOL #flyingcar #airtaxi #Shenzhen

Serbia to develop project of “flying taxis” for EXPO with Airbus, while France is seeking to start production with jet maker Lilium The Government of Serbia will sign, with Airbus, the memorandum for the project of the development of air mobility, which entails the use of small, highly automated planes, at lower heights in urban and city areas, announced the minister of finance of Serbia, Sinisa Mali. Mali wrote on his Instagram profile that he talked about the introduction of flying taxis with the regional sales director for East Europe at Airbus, Aleksandar Bojanic. – A meeting with the regional sales director at Airbus for East Europe, Aleksandar Bojanic, with whom I talked about the introduction of flying taxis, which we plan to use as a new means of transport during the specialized exhibition EXPO 2027 in Belgrade. We have approached this task seriously and that is why we have agreed that we will sign the Memorandum of Understanding about the project of the development of so-called air mobility with the company, which entails the use of small, highly automated planes, at lower heights in urban and suburban areas, following which we will also prepare the pre-feasibility study – wrote Mali. https://lnkd.in/drXanSkN Meanwhile, German electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) jet maker #Lilium is in advanced discussions to create high-volume production facilities in France. The talks with the French government involve potential government subsidies and loan guarantees, with Lilium future investment reaching up to $430 million. Lilium already is considering sites in France including in Nouvelle Aquitaine, noted for aerospace and battery production facilities. Production facilities by the electric aerial vehicle (EAV) maker could create up to 850 new jobs, according to the company, which said it has an order pipeline for 780 flying vehicles. The discussions were announced by the French government at the Choose France Summit in Versailles on Monday. Lilium recently received an order for 20 of its flying vehicles from UrbanLink, which plans to operate the EAVs in South Florida.

AutoFlight delivers first eVTOL air taxi to customer in Japan AutoFlight has achieved a significant milestone by delivering its first civilian ton-class #eVTOL aircraft, Prosperity, to a customer in #Japan. The #aircraft, which can accommodate up to five passengers, was handed over to an Advanced Air Mobility operator in Japan, who is planning to conduct demonstration eVTOL flights at the 2025 Osaka World Expo and roll out AAM services in Japan. In another recent achievement, AutoFlight’s cargo variant of Prosperity, CarryAll, became the world’s first eVTOL aircraft above one ton to be awarded type certification by the CAAC - Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). “The official delivery of the first Prosperity to a customer signifies a new chapter for AutoFlight as we begin to ship our innovative #electricaircraft to global markets. Additionally, on the cargo side, the receipt of orders for over 200 CarryAll planes already demonstrates a very strong market demand for our products,” said Yu Tian, founder and co-chairman of AutoFlight. The recent CarryAll orders include 30 units for ZTO Express, a NYSE and HKEX dual-listed company and one of the world’s largest logistics companies. Securing TC airworthiness certification is crucial for the safety and market entry of an aircraft for commercial operations. The CarryAll, which runs on electric power and operates autonomously, has a maximum take-off weight of 2 tons. Its compliance verification covered a wide range of aspects, such as stability, performance control, lift/thrust system, structural strength/composite blades, battery system, electrical system, avionics system, and flight performance. To ensure its safety and compliance, the thorough review process involved manufacturing compliance inspections and 46 major compliance verification tests at the equipment level, system level, and structural component level. Moreover, the CarryAll airworthiness certification prototype underwent eight significant compliance tests, including plateau performance, data link, and ground station functions, involving 156 flights and exceeding a total flight distance of 10,000 km. In February, AutoFlight achieved an interesting milestone as it presented the world’s first inter-city #electricairtaxi demonstration flight. The flight was completed by AutoFlight’s Prosperity aircraft, which autonomously flew from Shenzhen to Zhuhai, covering a distance of 50km (31 miles) in just 20mn. This flight across the Pearl River Delta significantly reduces travel time, as the same distance by car would take about three hours. This is a remarkable achievement and marks the world’s first public flight of an eVTOL aircraft on a cross-sea and inter-city route. The Shenzhen to Zhuhai route will be a part of the future air traffic scenario planned by the regional government as they develop their ‘low-altitude economy’ strategy. This will see the opening of thousands of #vertiports and...

At the heart of Dubai-based aircraft brokerage ArcosJet’s vision lies the belief that the Middle East, spearheaded by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is poised to become the springboard for the first wave of commercial eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) air taxi services. This revelation came to light during the recent Corporate Jet Investor Dubai 2024 event, underscoring the region's strategic importance in shaping the future of air transportation. ArcosJet’s exclusive partnership with German firm Lilium for the private sales of their innovative eVTOL aircraft in the UAE, Israel, and Cyprus reinforces this narrative. Mikhail Alenkin, CEO and founder of ArcosJet, emphasized that the UAE, renowned as a global hub for innovation, finance, and sustainability initiatives, offers an ideal landscape for pioneering such cutting-edge aviation solutions. Alenkin highlighted the confluence of factors propelling this shift, including robust economic conditions, a concentration of High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs), rapid urbanization, and a burgeoning interest in advanced sustainable technologies. He noted, “ArcosJet sees eVTOLs in general, and the Lilium Jet in particular, as a very effective tool for creating a modern, high-tech, and sustainable system of advanced air mobility and last-mile transportation in the region.” With a strategic focus on complementing existing helicopter services and leveraging underutilized air infrastructure, ArcosJet aims to pioneer a comprehensive ecosystem for the seamless operation and maintenance of helicopters and eVTOLs in the UAE. This move not only addresses current gaps in air transportation but also aligns with the UAE government’s proactive stance towards fostering sustainable aviation solutions. As eVTOL technology continues to mature and gain traction globally, ArcosJet’s strategic foresight positions them at the forefront of shaping the aerial mobility landscape in the Middle East. The partnership between ArcosJet and Lilium underscores a shared commitment to driving innovation, sustainability, and enhanced air mobility experiences, heralding a transformative era in regional aviation. For the full article and insights, visit our blog. #AvfoilNews #ArcosJet #Lilium #eVTOL #UAEInnovation #SustainableAviation #AirMobility #FutureofTransportation

Saudi Arabia's Bold AAM Roadmap: Leading the Future of Urban Air Mobility and Sustainable Aviation The Kingdom's commitment to integrating cutting-edge eVTOL technology into its urban infrastructure and its ambitious sustainability goals highlight a forward-thinking approach that others will likely follow. This initiative is a pivotal moment not just for the region but for the global AAM landscape. Excited to see how these developments will shape the future of mobility. ⭕ Saudi Arabia is implementing policies to become a leader in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). ⭕ The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) leads Saudi Arabia’s AAM initiative, aiming to create a safe, sustainable, and advanced air transport sector. ⭕ It builds on the 2022 Environmental Sustainability Development Plan to minimize aviation’s environmental impact. ⭕ Aim to make Saudi Arabia’s air transport sector the safest and most advanced in the Middle East. ⭕ Focuses on high-tech aircraft to reduce road congestion and improve access to remote areas. ⭕ GACA is creating a detailed plan to position AAM at the forefront of the aviation industry. ⭕ New airborne vehicles will enhance passenger and cargo movement, emergency response, and medical evacuation. Trials in various terrains and climates have shown promising outcomes. ⭕ Electric-powered vehicles align with Saudi Arabia’s goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060. ⭕ Saudi Arabia aims to rival the UAE in advancing its aviation sector. ⭕ Saudi Arabia is partnering with countries like South Korea, Singapore, and China, as well as leading AAM companies, to strengthen its position in the global AAM industry. #AdvancedAirMobility #AAM #eVTOL #UrbanAirMobility #SaudiArabia #Sustainability #AviationInnovation #FutureOfTransport https://lnkd.in/gFJx3f2w

Flying Taxis are coming, so are the new regulations, DGCA is looking into the #AAM roll out in a very detailed manner. The guys at #AdiBis are thus getting ready to setup the monitoring infrastructure to observe the lower airspace in the manner that all the objects, whether the legacy, commercial, military, general aviation and the unmanned can fly in a safe and uninterrupted manner. The #WALAT3M platform is making for the last two years in anticipation of this projected growth in the small aircraft domain, which might soon experience phenomenal growth trajectory. #DGCA #MoCA #BCAS #MoD #ATC #AirTraffic #Aviation #UAV #AAM #UTM #cUAS #Drones #Birds #Aircrafts #Helicopters #Jets #Airlines #Airports #AirDefence #SafeSkies